That washboard stomach still eluding you? Try a few extra tricks to get your abs into gear
For women particularly the tummy can be a very difficult place to lose weight. Even if you're hitting the gym and eating right you can still suffer a paunch that just won't shift.
So sometimes, you need to employ some non-exercise based tricks to really see the difference. Try these flat tum hacks for a stomach that would make Cara D jel.
Sleep More
Yes, this is a bonafide tummy-shrinking tip. Of course being asleep means you can't snack (unless you're a sleep walking fridge picker), but also sleep regulates your hormones, especially those caused by stress. By giving your body the chance to deal with stress better you won't be so likely to reach for a high-sugar snack when you're frazzled. And because the cortisol you body reduces when stressed messes with insulin it'll help keep your blood sugar stable - key to a flat stomach.
So if you skipping sleep in favour of the gym you might actually be doing yourself a disservice. Aim for 7-8 hours a night and give your body a break if you need it.
Stand Up Straight
If you want to slim down your stomach, stand up straight. Slight tweaks to your posture can make all the difference. Standing correctly – up tall with your head held high – has an instant slimming effect and encourages you to walk with confidence. By naturally drawing your tummy in, you strengthen your core without realising. And if this focus on your posture has inspired you to take further steps to weight loss success, try Pilates. It’s a far cry from intense sessions on the cardio machines, and leaves you feeling spiritually in tune. Stretch your way to a slimmer you.
Drink Milk
To beat a rounded tummy, increase your milk intake, say researchers at the University of Tennessee. According to the Nutrition Institute, drinking three glasses of milk a day can work wonders when teamed with a reduced-calorie diet. They believe that the calcium and dairy combo helps speed up the metabolism, leaving more room for fat-burning and smaller tummies. Worth a try!
Go Shopping
If you’ve piled on the pounds over winter, going clothes shopping is probably the last thing on your mind. But pick the right wardrobe, and you can look slimmer in seconds. Don’t buy clothes that don’t fit. If they’re too tight, they’ll cling to your figure and highlight every bump, whereas baggy clothes are simply unflattering.
Staple items and style proportion are key to looking slim. If you’re sporting skinny jeans, balance them out with an oversized jacket. If your dress resembles a potato sack, belt-up for an instant waistline. And remember – accentuate your best bits. Flattering colours such as black draw the eye to all the right places, along with statement jewellery.
Ladies, high-waisted pencil skirts are perfect for disguising problem areas. They cinch the waist and create an enviable hourglass silhouette. Team with killer heels for a quick confidence boost. And for the fellas, dig out the denim – jeans are always super-flattering.
If you're not much of a fashionista, take a friend you trust to tell you the truth about how you look.
Spice It Up
Turn the heat up a notch with fat-fighting spices. If you’re brave enough, flavour your food with some super-hot cayenne pepper – it’s said to shrink fat tissues and suppress your appetite, leaving the tummy nice and flat in time for spring. And if that doesn’t hit the spot, give cinnamon a try – it’s great for the metabolism. By adding it to your meals, you can help reduce blood sugar and cholesterol levels. But don’t sweat it; you don’t have to go spicy. A clove of garlic can also improve your metabolism and eliminate fat from cells.
Guzzle Some Grapefruit
Celebs including Brook Shields and Kylie Minogue swear by the grapefruit diet, but why? Eating half a grapefruit before every meal is said to boost the metabolism and leave you feeling fuller for longer – ideal for secret eaters. Teamed with a hearty morning brekkie, grapefruit could be your ticket to a manageable calorie controlled diet. Low in calories and high in nutrients; if you can bare the bitter taste, this superfood is a great addition to the breakfast table.
Laugh It Off
When you’re feeling down about the extra weight you’ve put on over Christmas, just laugh it off. According to research made by the International Journal of Obesity, it not only brightens the mood, but it also burns calories. By sticking on your favourite comedy and having a good giggle, you can “increase both your heart rate and calorie expenditure by up to 20 per cent.” Think of it as a cardio workout on the inside. A happy you equals a healthier you – flat tummy included.
RealBuzz
